Is your home an easy target?

The top ten things burglars look out for – security advice from FirstEye

Burglars generally like to make things as easy for themselves as possible and are always on the lookout for easy targets. By understanding the mistakes other homeowners make, you’ll help to protect your home from the risk of being burgled.

Keys

Unfortunately thousands of burglaries are carried out each year by thieves who haven’t even had to physically break in to gain entry. Many homeowners readily admit to leaving a spare key hidden around their property in all sorts of places including under the doormat, in the bin or under a plant pot. Burglars are all too aware of this so rather than leaving a spare key lying around; it’s much safer to leave one with a neighbour. However, if this isn’t possible, you could consider investing in one of latest keyless smart locks which would allow you and other members of your household to gain entry using a PIN code, key tag or smartphone.

Ground floor windows and patio doors

Ground floor windows or patio doors tend to be fitted with less security hardware, making them a relatively easy target for thieves. If you have patio doors, make sure that they have been glazed with security glass and a robust locking system, whilst ground floor windows should be fitted with appropriate locks.

Vulnerable people

Some groups of people are more susceptible to burglary than others and it’s often students, the elderly and people moving house who are often the target of theft. Student properties, for example, don’t often have burglar alarms and because residents come and go frequently, keys can fall into the wrong hands. Security can be vastly improved in many situations with the installation of a basic intruder alarm and robust locks on ground floor windows.

Expensive, small items

Thieves entering a property do so with the aim of getting in and out as quickly as possible. This is why small, easy to pick up items are often the target. Jewellery, electrical items and cash should always be kept locked away and out of sight of windows – a home safe which has been securely bolted to a wall or the floor is the ideal solution.

Electrical items

Tablets, computers and smartphones are often sought out by thieves as they can be easily sold on for a relatively high value. With this in mind, make sure you regularly ensure any data is backed up and choose products which have in-built security devices.

Tools

Tools are often stolen as they can be easily sold on and/or used in other break-ins. Always make sure that any outside storage areas such as your garage or shed have been adequately secured – intruder alarms and robust locks are available to protect outbuildings

Places to hide

Don’t give thieves a place to hide – make sure hiding places are limited by installing security lighting and ensuring hedges and bushes are kept well-trimmed.

Forgetful homeowners

By forgetting to keep your home secure, you’ll be helping to advertise your property to thieves. Always ensure you lock doors when you go out and never store keys (including car keys) within sight or reach of windows or doors. Also, don’t make the mistake of assuming that by being at home a burglar won’t try to break in. Unfortunately many thieves actively choose occupied homes at night as they know they’re more likely to contain mobile phones, wallets and car keys.

Going on holiday

If you’re going on holiday, it’s really important to make sure that you don’t advertise the fact that your home will be empty. There are lots of things you can do to help such as leaving a car on the drive, asking a neighbour to move post away from the front door and using timer switches to turn lights on and off.

Security advice and installations for homeowners in Leeds

Protecting your home doesn’t need to be stressful, time-consuming or expensive. Here at FirstEye we have many years of experience in providing cost-effective, reliable security solutions for homeowners throughout Leeds. If you would like advice on securing your home, or to obtain a free, no-obligation quote, please don’t hesitate to call us today.